JOHN MCDOWALL

I am an independent communications consultant with experience in corporate advisory and management roles. Manager, editor and journalist with 30 years experience, including 23 with The Herald & Weekly Times, a division of News Corp Australia. I have a successful record managing people in creative and process roles, in change management and project delivery. I specialise in writing and editing, and production of editorial publications. I’m known for attention to detail, accountability and the ability to motivate staff. A team player, a volunteer and an achiever.

Work experience

Self-employed communications consultant
(from July 2012 to May 2017)

Supplied writing, editing, pubic relations, research, media relations and other services to a variety of business, government and not-for-profit clients.

Education

Graduate Certificate in Management (UNE)

Processes and theory behind effective management, both organisational and individual.

I am a highly motivated/dedicated insurance professional with an extensive background as an insurance broker, with a focus on underwriting, customer service, profitability management, office administration and copywriting.

I excelled in all my past employments as my superiors relied on me with my ability in communication skills, strong work ethics, passion into achieving every goal. One notable accomplishment that I had was being able to gained membership with The Chartered Insurance Institute (of London) in 2015, for passing the Certificate of Insurance Course, allowing me to mention the designation, Cert CII opposite my name.

In a nutshell, I have effectively managed multiple, high-priority projects and take pride in providing exemplary designated tasks in the insurance field, i.e. underwriting, policy services, client services, claims management & profitability management. I work best in any work involving insurance. This is the industry where I have spent most of my career life, and where I have honed my writing abilities. My core competencies in insurance includes but not limited to:

-Well-versed in General & Employee Benefits lines;
-Proven excellence in stimulating revenue growth being a long time underwriter;
-Effectively adapt to results-driven environment;
-Exceptional contributions to customer service;
-Effective implementation & execution of work processes;
-Analytical skills, Team leadership, Research skills.

Moreover, I deal with people in a diplomatic and tactful way , whether professional or non-professionals. Accustomed to handling sensitive issues, service-related complaints & complex client’s concerns, I was never reprimanded by my boss. I also demonstrated remarkable work on producing precise & timely reports meeting stringent timelines.

I was also known to being poised and competent with developed & demonstrated ability to correspond to cultural differences and thrive in deadline-driven environments.

In view of the above, I believe that I have the necessary skills as mentioned, technical know- how, the right attitude, for any job especially in insurance and relative jobs, serving the best interests of clients.

Work experience

Senior Executive- Broker/Client Services
(from January 2014 to July 2016)

Insurance Broker

Education

Economics & Insurance
(from June 1977 to March 1981)

Economics & General/Commercial Insurance/Employee Benefits

Other

National Operations Manager with ten years managerial experience. I have an ability to plan strategically with regard to client/customer requirements combined with people management skills. Experience in managerial responsibilities with proven leadership ability and a keen sense to achieve positive outcomes from challenging scenarios.

Ability to self-start and work autonomously, acquire, create rapport and retain new clients, build responsive and productive teams where necessary and to give attention to detail to present the best impact.

With clients from many industries but predominantly retail, I have an eclectic understanding of companies' business requirements and also the expertise to implement actions to achieve positive outcomes.

I have run my own businesses which included musician, artist management, music tuition, promotion and exhibition organisation.

Work experience

OPERATIONS MANAGER
(from May 2011 to December 2016)

Operations Manager for RGIS, the world leading stocktake company with responsibilities for South Australia, Hunter/Central Coast NSW region, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the Assets Department.
Managed a team of sixteen professionals along with 100+ staff across the regions under my responsibility. I achieved increased profitability in regions due to, among other factors,appropriate staff selection, training and procedural improvements.
Responsible for the implementation of stocktakes for international, national and independent clients. This included scheduling cost effective and efficient stocktakes (retail, warehouse,industrial etc.), compliance operations and automotive financial audits by providing correct staffing levels and appropriate travel routes.
Liaised with clients with regard to their required outcomes, fee negotiation, established time frames for project completions etc. along with hiring staff and training supervisors. Arranged flights, accommodation and car hire for supervisors and staff.
Other duties included monitoring and approving supervisor corporate credit card usage, reimbursing petty cash to staff. Following up bad debts and outstanding invoices. Responsible for retention of current, and acquisition of new, clients. while developing expansion into potential new areas of business.

Education

A high performing civil engineer with considerable experience working on earthworks, structural, highways, rails, dams, underground mining construction, building and land subdivision projects. I possess a strong determination to work on exciting and diverse projects that really can make a difference to people’s lives. I am committed to provide a high-quality service to every client and project I undertake and I am currently looking for employment in an open, friendly and professional environment where ideas are encouraged & opportunities are shared.

Analytical and organized Project Manager, Planner/Scheduler, Administration Specialist with 15 years career experience in the Alumina Industry. Highly adept in Project and Maintenance Scheduling. Demonstrating excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Work experience

Operations Planner/Scheduler/Team Leader
(from January 2005 to June 2016)

Planning/Scheduling Production & Maintenance Staff.
Assisting with Administration including spreadsheets, databases, word processing and graphic presentation software.
Managing work priorities and delegating staff.
Leading and advising on Start up and Shutdown of Plant and Equipment.
Isolation of Plant and Equipment for maintenance
Safe Operation of Gantry Crane, Forklift & Bobcat
I was also RTAY Yarwun Engagement Forum Representative for Planners/ Schedulers.

Education

BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management.
(from February 2016 to February 2017)

I’m thrilled to be writing to you today regarding the Position for Senior Quantity Surveyor vacancy on your company. As a motivated and knowledgeable individual with experience in the industry, I’d like to take this opportunity to apply.

I had extensive experience of over 13 years contracting and procurement experience in both Malaysia and United Kingdom in Oil & Gas Upstream/Utilities/Construction industries. Additionally, I have a proven track record of initiate and develop innovative procurement and contracting opportunities in support for the delivery of target saving & enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness. With my present employer – Sarawak Shell Berhad, I have constantly exceeded all goals set for me, and am valued for my ability to deal with intractable situations by coming up with robust solutions. My abilities include project budgeting, managing client relationships, negotiating, resolving disputes, and critical thinking.

As a market leader in your field, you are able to offer applicants an array of impeccable career opportunities and a position that would present gratifying challenges. I would be grateful for the opportunity to showcase my abilities further at a personal interview. Looking forward to discuss more in person.

Work experience

Contract Specialist
(from January 2013

A full-time role in supporting the Joint-Venture business of SHELL and PETRONAS in driving value through contracting and procurement exercises, mainly in the Asset Production and Maintenance and Wells Integrated. Responsible to set up the contracts under the PETRONAS approval threshold. To co-ordinates, plan and executes the tender process timely to secure in-house and PETRONAS approvals for final order placement to meet planned schedule. Making sure that all aspects of the total procurement process are covered & driving commercial renegotiation with established vendors during low oil price to achieve ‘Cost Reset’ for SHELL and PETRONAS. Provides pro-active expediting services through post-award management to final closing out of the Contracts within the job's scope.
To manage the execution of the complete Category Management & Contracting Process (CMCP) including Contract Strategy, Tactics and Contract Management activities for the for the relevant contract portfolio across Shell Malaysia Exploration & Production. Contracts involved:-
• Wells Installed Equipment - Oil Country Tubular Goods & Services (USD100m)
• Well Installed Equipment - Liner Hangers (USD20mil)
• Wells Services - Tubular Running Services (USD40mil)
• QA/QC Category - Third party inspection for Asset, Project and Wells (MYR110 mil.)
• Rotating Equipment Category (Aftermarket Service for pump, compressor, gas turbines for various OEM) (MYR500 mil)
• Inline Pipeline MFL & UT Inspection (MYR20mil).

Senior Contract Administrator
(from September 2011 to December 2012)

Responsible for the pre and post contract related issues for concept, pre-engineering and execution phases for the hydroelectric power (HEP) developments across the state of Sarawak, assisting in securing a consistent and effective contract and procurement process in all phases. Developing contract strategies in cooperation with technical disciplines and develop plan to expand contractor base, improve tender process, obtain competition, expand technical options. To ensure all procurement and contract management matters are dealt with in accordance with the project execution model compliant with company policies and good business practices.
Projects involved are Limbang 1 & 2 HEP, Lawas HEP, Baram 1 & 3 HEP, Baleh HEP and its associated works (e.g. soil investigation works, LiDAR survey, hydrology assessment, social and environment impact assessment, engagement of consultants and etc.)

Assistant Contract Manager
(from June 2010 to September 2011)

Managed a team of five/six surveyors whilst reporting to management. Responsible for overseeing all post contract related issues, surveying activities including the production of monthly financial reports (progress claims monitoring and project cash flow), managing of progress claim and interim certificate, preparation and placing of subcontracts, providing cost advice to management, providing contractual advice to management, assisting in the preparation of tenders, vetting contract documents, assisting in the recruitment of staff and generally looking after the company’s commercial interest on various contracts across the State of Sarawak. Projects involved:
• Construction of Public Heatlh Centre at Betong & Simunjang for Public Work Department (RM 16 mil)
• Construction of Pre -School at Lawas and Limbang for Ministry of Education (RM 5 mil)
• Construction of Secondary School at Beladin for Ministry of Education (RM 32 mil)
• Construction of Worker Quarters at Bintulu for Sime Darby, Malaysia (RM 20 mil)
• Various Road Works and Culverts for Public Work Department and Department of Irrigation and Drainage across State of Sarawak (RM 115 mil)

Quantity Surveyor
(from April 2007 to May 2010)

Involved in preparation of BQ based on the UK’s SMM7 and BCIS for various UK tenders – December 2008 to May 2010.
• Various UK traditional or D&B tenders for hospitals, schools, refurbishment works, shopping mall, club houses, and residential flats. E.g. 2012 Olympic Village London, Metrix for UK Defence Ministry, Tesco shopping mall, Mark & Spencer HQ, Roll House office Building and etc.
• Worked as a BQ Manager in Ashgrove Surveying Ltd and dealing with BQ production process.
• Conduct high level check on BQ’s quantity; liaised with estimator, dealing with all the tender queries raised during tender stage.
• Preparation of Bill of Quantities according to UK’s SMM7 & NBS.
• Trade package measurement
• Proficient in using web-based project data system Extranet Systems to check and monitor massive tender documentation
• Passed the Manager’s Health and Safety Test by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
Corinthia 5 Star Hotel, London (£100million Project) – December 2008 to Jan 2009, March 2009
Heathrow Terminal T2a, London – March 2009 to May 2009
Maidstone School, London – September 2009 to October 2009
• Seconded to Carillion Plc & John Sisk & Son Ltd. Involved in design and build procurement projects.
• Seconded to John Sisk and Son Ltd and involved in coordinating BQ preparation, monitoring BQ work progress which have been produced remotely in Malaysia.
• Liaise with design team and involve in value engineering exercise
• Involved with the tender documents submission
Highbury Square, London (£160million Project) – April 2007 – November 2008
Conversion of Arsenal Football Stadium into 724 Luxury Flats
• Package management of several key elements of the building including drainage works, substructure and superstructure (concrete frame); roof finishes (standing seam and asphalt works); structural steelwork; internal partitioning; hard and soft landscape works.
• Submission and agreement of all client change notices, completing subcontractor final account negotiations
• Interim valuations, variations, planned to actual costs, assisting with the client changes register

Education

BSc (Hons) Building Construction Management
(from May 2002 to September 2002)

I’m a specialist in procurement and logistics through experience however I have a wealth of academic knowledge and transferrable skills from prior employment and study in marketing, sales, and customer service. I’ve developed an interest and talent for analysis and business intelligence strategies and will look to incorporate this into my personal and professional career going forward.

Work experience

PACIFIX Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
Pacifix is a Brisbane based procurement firm which provides transparent, end-to-end supply chain solutions and training to clients predominantly in emerging communities.
My role as a procurement specialist with Pacifix often required an alternative approach due to client requirements however some traditional activities were:
- Sole Source transactional purchasing
- RFIs and RFQs
- Supplier management
- Delivery tracking and liaising with freight forwarders to ensure smooth export of items
I was also responsible for:
- Implementation of the COUPA cloud-based Procurement software including cXML linking with suppliers.
- Management of IT hardware and software purchasing for clients.
- Analysis of client procurement and budget information using advanced reporting software such as Excel PowerPivot and Microsoft Power BI.

Supply Chain Analyst
(from May 2014 to January 2016)

MARKS & SPENCER, London, UK
Marks and Spencer is a leading UK and international fashion, homewares, and premium food multi-channel retailer.
Working as a supply chain analyst in the Property Department it is my core responsibility to ensure demand fed information was successfully translated into equipment purchases of quantities that satisfied new store developments, new existing store initiatives, and small works, while managing on-hand stock levels to maximize efficiency and reduce total spend.
Key activities include:
- Providing daily and weekly reports on stock holdings, supplier data file flow, and financial status indicators to relevant procurement and supply managers.
- Raising Purchase orders after liaising with dedicated suppliers to establish cost prices and lead times
- Liaising with warehouses to manage stock movements through validation and settling of electronic receipt and dispatch documents.
- Monitoring demand, production and receipting of a variety of store section specified projects across multiple new and refurbished stores.
- Use of Microsoft AX as primary system for supply chain activities and MS Excel for reporting developed through pivot tables, LookUps, and Dashboards.
- Coordinate manual production scheduling with suppliers for high volume and high priority schemes
- Lead role in management of wallpaper and tiling supply operations through purchasing, demand monitoring, and receipt and dispatch supervision.
- Cost plan and stock requirement analysis for future domestic and international schemes
Towards the end of my tenure I also adopted responsibilities of training junior staff, requiring greater time management, documentation of procedures for future reference, and performance management.

Imports Administrator
(from March 2014 to May 2014)

CHRISTIE’S, London, UK
A renowned international auction and private sales company known for their extraordinary art, international glamour, and exceptional customer focused service.
As an independent contractor working with the Christie’s London transport team my duty was to assist the Imports and Customs Manager with the coordination of high end art, antique and collectable items arriving for auction at the King Street and South Kensington Showrooms. The critical action was initiating communication with the origin country office responsible for the dispatch of the items. Follow on tasks included:
- Classify incoming items using correct codes for customs tariffs.
- Issue clearance and delivery instructions to agents for incoming items
- Apply for CITES permits for items containing elements of endangered species
- Assist with ad hoc exporting transport documentation

Ocean Freight Imports Operator
(from April 2012 to February 2014)

EXPEDITORS INTL, Brisbane, Australia
Expeditors International is a global logistics specialists and Fortune 500 company that provides consolidation and forwarding of air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, vendor consolidation, warehousing and many other customized logistical solutions.
Reporting to the Ocean Freight Import and Customs Manager my role as the sole on-site operator for the Brisbane office held responsibility to manage the communication between our international exporting partners, the destination customer service teams, the clients themselves, the warehousing staff, and the customs and transport teams. Critical activities included:
- Tracking of ocean import files using multiple databases simultaneously
- Invoice processing and payment to carriers, invoicing clients and processing receipts
- Analyse P&L on shipments and investigate any losses
- Sea Cargo Reporting to Australian Customs for individual shipments

Education

Masters of Business - International Business
(from January 2011 to December 2012)

MASTERS OF BUSINESS: International Business
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
Graduating GPA: 6.375
Awards: 2012 Dean’s Award for Excellence
Achievements:
• International Marketing: High Distinction
• International Logistics: High Distinction
• Negotiating Across Borders: High Distinction

Bachelors of Business - Marketing & Human Resource Management
(from January 2007 to December 2009)

Kindly, take this as an opportunity to introduce myself, as, Dhruv Sisodia, working in the LUXURY Goods (Gems & Jewellery) Industry, since past 16 years [including 2 years of Overseas experience], seeking your assistance to find me a good job opening, which closely matches to my profile / requirement, capacitating me to work and relocate to AUSTRALIA.

If you could assist me finding an opportunity to work in AUSTRALIA, it would be greatly favorable for me, to be a part of an organization, of high repute and esteem, catering to the LUXURY Goods (Gems & Jewellery) Industry. Currently I am working in Mumbai (financial capital of INDIA), in the capacity of Senior Executive (Sales & Marketing), handling a team of skilled and qualified members, assisting me for the business' requirements and overall development, while, I maintain coordination with the Direct Customers and Front Line Sales' Persons in counter part office at USA.

As an MBA (Marketing) degree holder and a Commerce graduate, I believe I am a strong candidate for any Managerial / Sr. Executive preferable roles, in the Sales & Marketing. I am very much inclined and focused, while expressing my precarious interest, to relocate here and be associated with one, that helps me to grow as an Individual, whilst enhancing my expertise and experience, which can surely be in-turn a benefiting for any organization.

I would be privileged if you can arrange a time to speak together, so we shall discuss the probabilities.

Education

Highly regarded by clients, business partners and senior executives as a key adviser, creative problem solver, and results driven financial professional. Impeccable judgement and excellent analytical skills with the ability to implement crucial change initiatives while simultaneously winning employee and associate loyalty and trust. A highly effective communicator with a proven track record of building long-term relationships with both customers and associates. Enjoys being part of, as well as managing and developing a successful and productive team. Excels under pressure and has an excellent eye for detail with a demonstrated ability to streamline business operations that drive growth and increase efficiency and bottom line profit.

Work experience

Finance Manager
(from March 2017 to February 2018)

Day to day responsibility for running the finance and payroll department
• Implemented financial recording processes allowing more accurate and robust reporting
• Process more than £60,000 of monthly rental receipts to Landlords and external contractors.
• Monthly reconciliation and management accounts and presented to board members
• Process and file VAT return with HM Revenue & Customs
• Process monthly payroll and pension for 8 staff
• Production of sales invoices for management fees and property sales fees
• Credit control of raised invoices, ensuring payments received on time
• Strategic advice on how the business is performing and making recommendations
• Also, acted as HR Manager

Education

As a highly motivated individual I have undertaken a number of roles commencing within the South Australian Public Service in general clerical duties, moving into customer services roles, including front counter interactions, call center and cashier duties. Promoted into management roles I controlled a number of customer facing positions managing upwards of 20 plus personnel.

My analitical abilities were recognised and I became an IT guru and was a integtal member of the 40 million dollar Customer Services Information System (CSIS) implementation, culminating in recognition at a black tie event where I, along with 5 others were recognised for our contributions to this project. I successfully managed the day to day operations of this system, including the delivery and processing of $500,000 plus customer accounts, analysis and implementation of enhancements to further improve both customer and internal experiences.
I was invited into a specific Graduate program conducted by Adelaide University for SA Water with a view to expanding SA Water expertise into South East Asia.

Leaving the government sector for private enterprise I furthered my carier in the IT sector undertaking a number of business analysis, system testing and project management roles.

As an active outdoorsman I enjoy staying fit and active. In recent times I have travelled throughout Asia and am an active Golfer and as such have met a variery of people both from Europe and Asia. I have been well respected when meeting new people and am easily comfortable in a variety of environments and cultures.

As My age is not a barrier to performing your role requirements and I neither look, act nor feel my age and continue to strive for excelence in all facets of my life.